(BALTIMORE, MD) — (August 3, 2012) — Robert Kirkman's acclaimed zombie apocalypse series The Walking Dead, which has become a genuine pop culture phenomenon over the past year thanks to AMC's television series, reached a milestone issue with July's The Walking Dead #100 from Image Comics and, with nine covers from many of comics' top artists, was the best-selling comic book to the specialty market in July 2012, according to information provided by Diamond Comic Distributors, the world's largest distributor of comics, graphic novels, and pop culture merchandise.

DC Entertainment was July’s leading publisher in both Retail Dollars and Unit Market Share, edging Marvel Comics on the dollars spent for the month 32.71% to 31.96% and on the unit share 36.55% to 35.34%. Image Comics was a strong third for the month with a dollar share of 9.42% and a unit share of 9.39%.

Geoff Johns and Gary Franks reimagined the history of Bruce Wayne and his early days as Gotham City's crusading hero in the original hardcover graphic novel Batman: Earth One, the best-selling graphic novel to retailers in July.

The final release in the Infinity Gauntlet saga leads to a cosmic conclusion with the WizKids/NECA's Marvel HeroClix: Chaos War Booster Brick, an expansion for the popular miniatures game and the best-selling games product to comic book specialty retailers in July.

How does Diamond calculate the charts? It all starts at the comic book shop.

Data for Diamond’s sales charts — which include the monthly market shares and all top product charts — are compiled by Diamond Comic Distributors from a universe of over 3,500 comic book specialty shops located inNorth Americaand around the world. The account base includes brick-and-mortar comic book specialty shops, Internet merchants, and other specialty stores.

Unit and dollars sales are calculated based upon orders invoiced and shipped to Diamond accounts during any given month, which comprises initial pre-orders, advance reorders, and reorders, minus any copies that are received back from a title marked as returnable.

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ABOUT DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS (DCD)—Diamond is at the nexus of comics and pop culture merchandise. Based in Baltimore, MD, DCD is the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books and pop-culture related merchandise, servicing more than 4,000 specialty retailers worldwide. For more information, visit Diamond on the web at www.diamondcomics.com.